Description of Examination Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®)
The exam to obtain CSCS® certification is divided into two sections that assess the candidate's knowledge, skills and abilities in the following areas:
- Scientific Fundamentals
- 80 multiple-choice questions assessed
- 15 unassessed multiple-choice questions
- Practice/Applied Area
- 110 multiple-choice questions assessed
- 15 unassessed multiple-choice questions
Exceedance Rates (2022)
In 2022, more than 5,000 candidates took both sections of the CSCS® exam. The results were:
- 64% passed the Science Fundamentals section
- 42% passed the Practical/Applied section
- 38% passed both sections
Preparing for the CSCS exam is a critical step in achieving a successful outcome on the certification exam. We are here to help and guide you through this process!
Summary of Examination Content (CSCS®)
Scientific Fundamentals
The section Scientific Fundamentals, of the duration of 1,5 hours, assesses the candidate's knowledge in the areas of exercise science, sport psychology and nutrition.
| Scope | Percentage of the examination | Number of applications |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science | 55% | 44 |
| Sport Psychology | 24% | 19 |
| Nutrition | 21% | 17 |
| Questions not evaluated* | - | 15 |
Duration of the section: 1,5 hours
Exercise Science
Anatomy and physiology (muscular, neuromuscular, bone and connective tissue, cardiopulmonary); Biomechanics; Bioenergetics and metabolisms; Neuroendocrine physiology; Physiological adaptations to training; Differences among athletes (e.g., age, gender, training level); Basic knowledge of scientific research and statistics.
Sport Psychology
Psychological foundations of performance, Motor learning techniques and skill acquisition, Mental health issues in athletes.
Nutrition
Nutritional factors affecting health; Nutrition to optimize performance; Common supplements and performance-enhancing substances.
Practical Applications
The section Practical Applications, of the duration of 2,5 hours, is designed to assess knowledge related to exercise techniques, program design, testing and evaluation, and organization/administration.
| Scope | Percentage of the examination | Number of applications |
|---|---|---|
| Training Techniques | 36% | 40 |
| Design of Programs | 35% | 38 |
| Organization and Administration | 11% | 12 |
| Testing, Monitoring and Evaluation of Data | 18% | 20 |
| Questions not evaluated* | - | 15 |
Duration of the section: 2,5 hours
Training Techniques
Training preparation; Training techniques with free weights, machines, alternative methods and unconventional tools; Olympic lifting and plyometric exercises; Speed/acceleration and agility techniques; Energy systems development (aerobic and anaerobic activities); Recovery techniques.
Design of Programs
Needs analysis; Training methods and modalities; Selection, order and progression of exercises; Intensity, training volumes and recovery times; Periodization patterns and concepts; Programming during injuries and rehabilitation phases.
Organization and Administration
Organizational structure; Design, layout, and organization of force and conditioning facilities; Professional practices; Common litigation issues.
Testing, Monitoring and Evaluation of Data
Selection of evidence-based tests; Administration and implementation of testing protocols and monitoring; Evaluation and interpretation of test results.
Note: Questions Not Assessed
The CSCS exam includes ungraded questions that are used to test new questions for future editions. These questions:
- They do not affect the final outcome of the candidate.
- They are randomly distributed during the examination to collect data objectively.
This process ensures that the exam remains up-to-date and reflects the skills required in the world of work.
For more information, see the NSCA Certification Handbook (PDF).